Teen charged in Browntown break-ins, arson

FRONT ROYAL – Authorities charged a Warren County boy in a burglary spree in the Browntown area Monday.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 4300 block of Browntown Road for a suspect trying to break into a residence, according to information released by the agency Tuesday. Units set up a perimeter to search for the suspect when officers received a second report of a breaking and entering in progress in the 200 block of Hidden View Lane. The caller reporting that incident gave a description of the suspect that matched the person sought by officers in the earlier break-in.

Deputies found the suspect at the home on Hidden View Lane. Investigators and the tracking team with the Sheriff’s Office along with Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico arrived at the location and conducted an investigation. Authorities received a third report involving the same suspect seen entering a shed on another property in the 4300 block of Browntown Road.

Authorities charged the 15-year-old boy with breaking and entering, unlawful entry, destruction of property, possession of burglary tools, two counts of attempted breaking and entering and one count of arson. Charges stem from offenses authorities say occurred from April 17 through Monday.

The boy remains incarcerated at the Northwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center pending his next court appearance.